Friday, February 22, 2013

Prop 8 Supreme Court Update

The Plaintiffs challenging Proposition 8 have called on the Supreme Court to recognize marriage equality for all. They have filed their brief with the United States Supreme Court in Hollingsworth v. Perry urging the Justices to recognize the fundamental right of all Americans to marry by affirming the landmark federal court of appeals ruling that upheld the historic decision of the federal district court that found Prop 8 unconstitutional. The Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Perry next month on March 26th. Theodore B. Olson & David Boies stated in the brief, “Because of their sexual orientation—a characteristic with which they were born & which they cannot change—Plaintiffs & hundreds of thousands of gay men & lesbians in California & across the country are being excluded from one of life’s most precious relationships. They may not marry the person they love, the person with whom they wish to partner in building a family & with whom they wish to share their future & their most intimate & private dreams. Although opening to them participation in the unique & immensely valuable institution of marriage will not diminish the value or status of marriage for heterosexuals, withholding it causes infinite & permanent stigma, pain & isolation. It denies gay men & lesbians their identity & their dignity; it labels their families as second-rate. That outcome cannot be squared with the principle of equality & the unalienable right to liberty & the pursuit of happiness that is the bedrock promise of America from the Declaration of Independence to the Fourteenth Amendment & the dream of all Americans. This badge of inferiority, separateness & inequality must be extinguished. When it is, America will be closer to fulfilling the aspirations of all its citizens.” The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) is the sole sponsor of Hollingsworth v. Perry. Read Full Brief: afer.org
Updates to Come…:)